Top Puerto Varas Outdoor Activities

A curated Chilean experience combining three must-see Lake District destinations with expert guidance and authentic flavors. From Petrohué Falls to Puerto Varas and Frutillar, enjoy stunning scenery and sweet local traditions.

Embark on a family-friendly catamaran adventure across the stunning waters of Llanquihue Lake, the second largest lake in South America and one of Chile’s most iconic natural landmarks. This relaxing and educational experience is perfect for all ages, offering panoramic views of snow-capped volcanoes, lush forests, and the charming lakeside town that dot the shoreline. As you sail, enjoy the comfort of an onboard coffee serving delicious snacks, hot chocolate, and local treats—ideal for warming up and sharing a moment with loved ones. The journey is enhanced by a guided audio tour, available in multiple languages, that brings to life the rich history, geography, and cultural heritage of the region. Whether you're traveling with kids, grandparents, or just looking for a peaceful way to explore the beauty of southern Chile, this scenic cruise is a memorable experience the whole family will enjoy.

The best way to discover nature a few kilometers from Puerto Varas: views of the volcanoes with navigation surrounded by the native forest and its wild birds. Calm waters ideal for beginners and family activities.

Explore the natural wonders of Chile’s Lake District on this full-day tour from Puerto Varas to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Pass through towns like La Poza, Ensenada and Peulla; admire the Petrohué Falls (extra cost); and cruise across the Todos los Santos Lake in a catamaran. After a delicious 3-course or box lunch (depending on option selected), choose from optional activities like hiking, kayaking, horseback riding or a 4WD safari, and enjoy the park’s scenic rivers, forest valleys and soaring cliffs.

Known for its dramatic landscape at the foothills of the Andes, Puerto Montt is best explored outside the city limits. Visit three of the area's top attractions on this shore excursion from the port, including a stop at Petrohue Waterfall, the German city of Frutillar, and the City of Roses, all while taking in incredible views of the surrounding lakes, mountains, and volcano. This tour includes all entrance fees and transportation.

Admire the shimmering lakes and soaring peaks of the Chilean Lake District on this 6-hour tour from Puerto Varas, including hotel pick-up. Soak up the scenery as you travel to the Osorno Ski Center, located at 3,937-feet (1,240-m) on the Osorno Volcano, and enjoy panoramic views of Llanquihue Lake and Calbuco volcano below. Then, head to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, where you can hike through the evergreen forests, visit Todos los Santos Lake and be awed by the Petrohué Falls.

The tour combines two of the most spectacular highlights of southern Chile in one experience: the powerful Petrohué Waterfalls and the dramatic slopes of the Osorno Volcano. This small-group tours allow travelers to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy incredible viewpoints, and take memorable photos while discovering the beauty of Chile’s Lake District with knowledgeable local guides.

Experience the adrenaline rush of rafting down the Petrohué River in Chile. Safely navigate a stretch of class III rapids with an expert guide, and enjoy beautiful views of Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and the Calbuco, Osorno, and Puntiagudo volcanos. Your small-group rafting trip includes safety equipment, snacks, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Varas.

Embark on a cross-border journey across the Andes on this day tour from Puerto Varas, Chile to Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. In a small group of no more than 15, travel by bus and boat over mountains and across rivers and see waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanoes along the way. Leave the logistics, driving, and navigating to your guide as you take in the unique scenery and learn about the area’s natural wonders.

Seeing Patagonia at its best, visiting the Puelo River (famous for its fishing), the picturesque town of Cochamo and being able to bathe in these incredible hot springs acclaimed for their architecture, is a unique opportunity on your trip to the south.

Tackle the Petrohue River’s swirling class III and IV rapids with all safety equipment included on this white-water rafting adventure in Puerto Varas. Splash and paddle your way along the river’s meandering twists and turns, and enjoy uninterrupted views along the beautiful riverbanks. With round-trip transport from your Puerto Varas hotel included, you’ll also have free time to swim in the crystal clear waters at your leisure.

Discover the Osorno Volcano, a conical stratovolcano in Los Lagos Region of Chile. Travel along the Llanquihue Lake towards Vicente Pérez Rosales Park. Hike through coigües forests as you ascend, observing the forest’s flora and fauna. Observe the traces of lava passage in La Burbuja crater. Appreciate the varied landscapes and views on the way to its summit.

Discover the magic of Chiloé on a full-day tour from Puerto Varas! Join us to explore the customs and traditions of this enchanting island, whose isolation has given birth to fascinating myths and legends that are still alive today. Through the Isla Grande tour, you’ll travel beyond the usual routes to visit the charming towns of Ancud, Castro, and Dalcahue. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, rich local culture, and captivating stories that make Chiloé one of Chile’s most mystical destinations — an experience you simply can’t miss!

Visit an active volcano and other natural highlights of Southern Chile. Begin on the southern shores of Lake Llanquihue and enter Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Marvel at the turquoise waters of the Petrohué Waterfalls and the tranquil beaches surrounding Lake Todos los Santos. Lunch in Ensenada at the foot of the Osorno Volcano. Travel up the volcano to a ski resort for striking views of the Petrohué River Valley.

Discover the unique history and heritage of one of Chile’s largest islands on this full-day tour to Chiloè Island, including hotel pick-up from Puerto Varas and round-trip transport by ferry from Pargua. Visit the historic village of Chacao, explore the island capital of Castro and tour the Ancud Museum. Finally, pick up some unique souvenirs as you browse the stalls of the renowned Dalcahue crafts fair.

Spend a day horseback riding in the countryside of Puerto Varas with this private tour. You’ll meet your horses, have a safety briefing, then get out into the Valdivian forest. Your guide will take you to spots you couldn’t find on your own and places for viewing wildlife. Travel insurance and hotel pickup are included to enhance your experience.

Enjoy quintessential Chilean views and learn about the nation’s immigrant past on this tour. Depart Puerto Varas and travel to Frutillar, a charming lakeside village. Learn about the local German immigrant history here and visit restored colonial houses. Then take time to visit the lakefront of Lake Llanquihue, where you will encounter magical views of the volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, Puntiagudo and Tronador.

Discover the vibrant wildlife of Chile’s Lake District on this full-day tour to Alerce Andino National Park from Puerto Varas, including hotel pick-up. Follow the legendary Settlers Road to Puerto Montt as you journey to the park, then spend the day exploring the ancient forests and glittering lagoons of Alerce Andino. Make the most of the vast network of hiking trails and keep a lookout for native creatures like Pudú, Venado Chileno and puma, as well as condors, kingfishers and hummingbirds.

Hike to waterfalls, visit historical sites, and see the stunning scenery around Llanquihue Lake on this guided tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. An ideal orientation of the area for first-time visitors, this tour makes it easy to visit top sights in Puerto Octay, Frutillar, and the Ensenada area in just one day, plus provides plenty of insight you might miss without a guide.

More than an excursion, it is truly a unique experience, enjoying the colors offered by the sunset on one of the most recognized volcanoes in Chile, with an impressive panoramic view of Lake Llanquihue and the Calbuco Volcano.

Join a special adventure where you can go kayaking on the first Patagonian fjord and witness a very particular phenomenon in the Estuary of Reloncaví: The union of the fresh waters of the river with the sea. You can enjoy incredible views of the Osorno Volcano and its fascinating natural environment from a different perspective, while we paddle with salmon and different birds.

Surrender and immerse yourself today in a unique experience of relaxation as we venture on this excursion to Termas del Sol. Located in the Reloncaví Fjord, about 2 and a half hours from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, we will discover this oasis. Immersing ourselves in the thermal waters that vary between 36° and 45°, surrounded by exuberant nature. Termas del Sol are renowned for their healing hot springs, rich in minerals and therapeutic properties, as well as being famous for their ability to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Termas del Sol is a perfect place to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can also take a walk on the nearby nature trails or simply enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Embark on an incredible journey connecting three beautiful lakes between Chile and Argentina, crossing the majestic Patagonia. This 12-hour tour begins in Bariloche, where you will sail through Lake Nahuel Huapi by catamaran, surrounded by forests and mountains. Then, cross the Río Frias to Chile and continue along Lago Frias to Puerto Frias. Cross Pérez Rosales National Park, enjoy lunch in Puerto Blest or Peulla, and sail through Lake Todos los Santos. Marvel at views of the Osorno, Tronador and Cerro Puntiagudo volcanoes, before ending in Puerto Varas. A unique journey full of nature and adventure.